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Description
The Stratocaster by Fernandes
The Fernandes Stratocaster is a Strat-style electric guitar produced by Fernandes Guitars, known for offering affordable yet reliable instruments inspired by the classic Fender Stratocaster design. It features the familiar double-cutaway body shape that provides comfortable access to higher frets and a versatile feel for different playing styles. Depending on the specific model and production year, it can range from beginner-level instruments to higher-quality Japanese-made versions. The guitar is generally appreciated for its balanced tone, smooth playability, and versatility across genres like rock, blues, and pop. Many versions include tremolo systems and traditional single-coil pickup configurations, making it a flexible choice for a wide range of players.
Specs:
• Model: Fernandes Stratocaster (Strat-style electric guitar)
• Body: Typically alder or basswood (varies by model)
• Neck: Maple, bolt-on construction
• Fingerboard: Rosewood or maple (varies)
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Frets: Usually 21 or 22 frets (model-dependent)
• Radius: Typically 9.5"–12" (varies by version)
• Pickups: Usually 3 single-coil pickups (SSS configuration), some variants differ
• Controls: 1 volume, 2 tone, 5-way selector switch
• Bridge: Vintage-style tremolo or hardtail (model-dependent)
• Hardware: Chrome hardware (varies by production)
• Finish/Colors: Multiple finishes depending on production series
Videos
Surin Vintage
FERNANDES STRATOCASTER
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fernandes Stratocaster.
Comparisons
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Owners suggest considering 70s or 80s Tokai models for superior quality compared to Fernandes Stratocasters.
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The 80s Fernandes Strat in Daphne Blue is compared favorably to Japanese lawsuit guitars for their quality.
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A Squier Classic Vibe is recommended as an alternative due to availability issues with Fernandes in specific colors like Daphne Blue.
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Setup and maintenance
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Some Fernandes Stratocasters have a 25.25" scale length, which can complicate neck replacements.
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Value and pricing
User experience
Build quality
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Some owners report that Fernandes necks can warp quickly and significantly, with truss rod adjustments sometimes proving ineffective.
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Features and functionality
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The Fernandes Sustainer is a notable feature, admired by players like Steve Vai for its unique sound capabilities.
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Other
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The transition of Fernandes to a Chinese brand has caused some confusion, with a distinction made between vintage Japanese models and newer ones.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 11 Ratings
183
It came with some imperfections, but it is one of my favorites.
I bought this off ebay from a seller in Japan. It came to me with some problems with the wiring that needed fixed. The humbucker also tended to squeal a lot. But some work was done and it is a buzzsaw of sound.
It's Korean-made, according to who I bought it from. Probably from 1990 or 1989, before Fernandes changed headstock shapes to avoid trouble with Fender. It is something I am very happy to have. It is a little fragile from the years, so I use it sparingly and delicately to avoid damage.
317
Cracking Japanese Lawsuit Strat
Bought 2nd hand at Wunjo on Denmark St. Gold colour. A bit heavy but other than that plays like a dream. Previous owner has swapped out the bridge pickup for a Seymour Duncan humbucker.
Artist usage
Add artist
A picture of Wil's touring guitars on Twitter shows a Fernandes Stratocaster featuring 2 P90s.
Carls is usually the saxophonist for Viagra Boys, but he also plays rhythm guitar on songs like "Troglodyte", "Punk Rock Loser", and "ADD". His main guitar is a Fernandes Stratocaster, which can be seen in this photo, taken at Riot Fest in Chicago, IL (Sept 16, 2023).
In a photo taken at a Viagra Boys concert in Rome, Italy, Linus Hillborg is seen playing a Fernandes Stratocaster. The image can be viewed here.
Album Usage
The Fernandes Stratocaster has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fernandes Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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